Humax HD 7000 High Definition Set Top Box $269

Voted BEST BUY 2007 by Smarthouse Magazine

In our eyes, Humax's high-definition digital set-top box has no competition.

The Humax HD7000 receiver contains the most sensitive tuner of any high definition set top box we've tested. It will find channels where other boxes won't even scan them in. This makes it the perfect high definition box for people who are living in poor signal areas, or have an older antenna system.

Yes, we do stock DVI to DVI cables, they are $30 with your Humax purchase. Please ask at the time of purchasing, or mention it when ordering on line.

Picture quality is very good, and the Humax will output DVI, RGBHV, YPbPr (progressive scan component), S-Video and Composite. You do need to switch between Component and DVI/RGB though, it's done via a toggle switch on the rear of the unit. Both RGB and DVI outputs will send out 1080i, 720p and 576p.

The HD7000 also has optical audio out via S/PDIF and digital coaxial audio output via rca socket.

The front display is the most intelligent and well laid out we've seen. It shows:

• The signal level using a 10 stage bar graph
• The output resolution, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i
• TV - Radio indicator
• Dolby Digital indicator
• High Definition indicator
• Timer indicator
• Current time when switched off/standby.

And when it's on, it's a soft light, so it won't light up your entire room.

There are also main controld for menu features, you can adjust the volume and channel using the buttons on the front display. You can also cycle through the 4 resolution modes by pressing the Resolution button on the front panel.

The remote control is rather large, but well laid out and easy to use. All the common buttons are right under your thumb. There are a few duplications though, eg. volume up and down and channel up and down but the layout is logical.

All up, this is a very easy to use set top box, with great picture quality through all outputs.

Click here for a picture of the rear panel of the Humax box.

The instruction manual can be downloaded here.